Panel Retention Clip

ABSTRACT

A clip operable to secure panels of sheet material includes a generally H-shaped unit having pair of opposed arms separated by a central beam forming a pair of aligned receptacles, each operable to receive a panel therein. At least one of the arms includes biasing members operable to apply pressure to the panels inserted into the receptacles. The clip secures adjacent panels together in edge-to-edge orientation such that the panels are coplanar. Panels utilized with the clip include sheets of building material such as plywood, drywall, and roofing materials.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/051,419, filed 8 May 2008 and entitled “Clip Device,” the disclosureof which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a clip device that connects adjacentpanels of sheet material together.

BACKGROUND

The roof of a structure is typically formed by mounting panels onto atruss and then applying a set of shingles to the panels. The panelsused—plywood, particle board, etc., are subject to warping;consequently, roofing clips are utilized to limit the movement of thepanels. Specifically, clips are positioned between the adjacent panelsto align the panels and maintain them in a planar relationship.Conventional clips are small, fixed structures formed from metal orwood. The clips typically include a planar base and U-shaped portionsextending from each surface of the base. In use, adjacent panels areslid into each U-shaped portion, securing the panels together.Conventional clips, however, suffer from several disadvantages. First,the clips have fixed dimensions and thus only accommodate panels of acorresponding thickness. If other sheet thicknesses are desired, theoperator must either utilize appropriately-sized clips, or useill-fitting clips, which invites shifting between the panels. Second,the clips do not accommodate the expansion and contraction panels duringthe change of the seasons. Therefore, over time, fixed clips may notadequately secure adjacent panels together during the lifetime of thestructure.

It is desirable to provide a clip that securely connects adjacent sheetsof material together, adjusts to fit between building materials ofvarying thicknesses, accommodates for sheet expansion and contraction,and installs easily.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The clip of the present invention has a generally H-shaped configurationconfigured to secure together two panels of sheet material inedge-to-edge orientation. The clip includes a pair of opposed generallyparallel arms secured to and separated by a central beam. This structureforms a pair of open receptacles or cavities, each operable to receive apanel therein. At least one of the arms includes resilient biasingmembers operable to apply pressure to retain the panels inserted intothe receptacles. The clip serves as a connector securing successive oradjacent panels such that the retained panels are generally coplanar.The biasing members, moreover, resiliently flex to accommodate panels ofvarious sizes, as well as to accommodate expansion and contraction ofthe panels. Opposing surfaces of each biasing member and the oppositearm may include raised ribs which are urged against the retained panelto increase the local applied pressure and thereby enhance non-slippanel engagement. The panels typically utilized with the clip includesheets of building material such as plywood, drywall, and other roofingmaterials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a clip device in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front plan view of the clip of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the clip device of FIG.1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the clip device shown to FIG. 1

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of a clip device in accordancewith another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of a clip device in accordancewith yet another embodiment of the invention

FIG. 7 illustrates a front plan view of the clip device shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top perspective view in accordance with a furtherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side elevation view of a portion of the embodimentof FIG. 8.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elementsthroughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate views of a clip device in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. As shown, the clip device 10 includes abeam or brace 100 extending from a first or lower arm 105 to a second orupper arm 110. The beam 100 may be in the form of a rod centrallydisposed on and perpendicular to each of the arms 105, 110. The ends ofthe beam 100 terminate at respective arms 105 and 110 so as to positionthe arms in spaced, generally parallel relation. With thisconfiguration, a structure defining a first or left panel receptacle 115and a second or right panel receptacle 120 is formed. Each receptacle115, 120 is contoured to receive the edge of a respective panel ofbuilding material such as drywall, plywood, etc. In this manner thepanels are engaged substantially edge-to-edge, separated by beam 100.

Beam 100 may possess any dimensions suitable for its described purposed.For example, the height of the beam 100 may be selected to provide thedesired height for each receptacle 115, 120. The beam 100, furthermore,may possess any thickness operable to provide a desired level of lateralspacing between adjacent panels of sheet material. By way of example,the beam 100 may possess a width of ⅛ inch to provide an expansion gapbetween the aligned pieces sheet material. The beam 100, moreover, maytaper inward proximate its lower and upper ends (i.e., toward the first105 and second 110 arms) to create a central bow or bulge 125. Providingthis bow 125, where the beam is wider at its center than at its edges,assists in air circulation between the adjacent panels of buildingmaterial.

Arms 105, 110 are configured to capture the edge portion of a panelwithin each receptacle 115, 120. The first arm 105 may include agenerally planar element or plate oriented generally transverse to thebeam 100 and having a first terminal end 130 and a second terminal end135. The beam 100 may be centrally disposed along on the first arm 105such that it divides the arm into left and right portions which aremirror images of each other. The first arm 105 may possess a generallyuniform thickness; alternatively, as illustrated, each end 130, 135 ofthe first arm 105 may taper downward, away from the second arm 110. Forexample, the ends 130, 135 may taper at an angle of approximately 3° toprovide a greater receptacle opening, as well as to provide a rampoperable to guide/direct the edge of a panel into a receptacle 115, 120.

Similarly, the second arm 110 may include a generally planar element orplate oriented generally transverse to the beam 100. The second arm 110,furthermore, includes a third terminal end 140 and a fourth terminal end145. The beam 100 may intersect the second arm 110 at its center,creating left and right mirrored portions. With this configuration, thefirst and third ends 130, 140 define the mouth of the first receptacle115, while the second and fourth ends 135, 145 define the mouth of thesecond receptacle 120. As with the first arm 105, the second arm 110 mayhave a consistent thickness, or may taper at its ends 140, 145 (e.g., ata 3° angle) to provide a wider receptacle opening, as well as a rampthat guides the sheet toward the receptacle 115, 120 as it is insertedtherein.

One of the arms 105, 110 may further include a resilient biasing memberoperable to apply a biasing force onto the panel inserted into areceptacle 115, 120. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the secondarm 105 includes a first resilient biasing member 150 and a secondresilient biasing member 155. Each biasing member 150, 155 may be in theform of a tongue or paddle resiliently movable with respect to thesecond support arm. Specifically, each biasing member 150, 155 may be inform of a generally planar paddle having a proximal end 160 serving as apivot edge and a distal end 165. Each biasing member 150, 155 mayfurther include a notch or groove 167 at its proximal end 160 configuredto enhance the flexing/pivoting ability of the biasing member. By way ofexample, the notch may have a depth equally to no more than about halfthe thickness of the biasing member 150, 155.

The proximal end 160 of the biasing member 150, 155 may be coupled tosecond arm 110 at a point inset from its respective end 140, 145. Thatis, each biasing member 150, 155 may be set inboard along the second arm110 (and not at the ends of the arm). The biasing member 150, 155 mayincline in the direction of beam 100, positioning the distal end 160 ofthe tongue within the receptacle 115, 120. The proximal end 160 of eachbiasing member 150, 155, moreover, pivotably flexes from its normalposition (indicated by arrow R (FIG. 2)) when a force is appliedthereto. For example, the biasing member 150, 155 may be pivoted fromits normal position to a position in which the paddle is generallycoplanar with an aperture 175A, 175B formed into the second arm 110.Once released, the resilient nature of the biasing member causes it toreturn to its normal position.

Referring specifically to FIG. 2, the distal end 165 of each biasingmember 150, 155 may further include a hub 210 defining a generally flatshoulder 220 operable to contact the sheet material. When the biasingmember 150, 155 is in its normal position, the shoulder 220 may begenerally parallel to the surface of the first arm 105. The shoulder 220provides an area of increased surface, increasing the frictional forcethe biasing members 150, 155 apply to the panels.

The dimensions of the clip device 10 may be any suitable for itsdescribed purpose. It is important to note that the first arm 105 maypossess dimensions that differ from that of the second arm 110. By wayof example, the first arm 105 may have a length greater than that of thesecond arm 110 (best seen in FIG. 5).

The operation of the device is as follows. A first panel of sheetmaterial (e.g., a piece of plywood, roofing material, etc.) is axiallyinserted into the first receptacle 115 (between first 130 and third 140ends). As the first panel is inserted, it drives the first biasingmember 150 resiliently upward from its normal position, toward thesecond arm 110. The first panel is inserted into the first receptacle115 until it contacts the beam 100. The resilient biasing member 150attempts to return to its normal position, engaging the first panel andapplying pressure thereto, securing it within the receptacle.

Then, a second panel of sheet material is axially inserted into thesecond receptacle 120 (between second 135 and fourth 145 ends). As thesecond panel is inserted, it drives the second biasing member 155 upwardfrom it normal position, toward the second arm 110. The second panelmaterial is inserted into the second receptacle 120 until it contactsthe beam 100. As with the first biasing member 150, the resilient secondbiasing member 155 attempts to return to its normal position, applyingpressure to the second panel.

Once both panels of sheet material are inserted, the adjacent panels arealigned such that they are generally coplanar. The clip device 10,moreover, secures the panels such that relative movement of the panelsis prevented. The biasing members 150, 155, in addition to applying africtional force to each panel, accommodate panels having varyingthickness. That is, panels having a thickness substantially smaller thanthe height of the receptacle 115, 120 may be securely contained by theclip device 10 because the biasing members 150, 155 extend apredetermined distance within the receptacles 115, 120 to secure thepanel therein. By way of example, a panel of sheet material having arange of thicknesses of 7/16 of an inch, 15/32 of an inch, and ½ of aninch may be secured utilizing a single clip device 10. This avoids theneed to coordinate the size of the clip with the thickness of the panel,as is the case with conventional clips.

In addition, the biasing members 150, 155 accommodate the expansion andcontraction of the sheet material. That is, as the panelscontracts/expands (with temperature changes, for example), the angle ofinclination of the biasing members 150, 155 changes, maintaining contactwith the panels throughout the expansion/contraction.

FIG. 5 illustrates a clip device 50 in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the grooves 167 have beenomitted.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a clip 60 in accordance with still anotherembodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the arms 105, 110 are nolonger oriented parallel to each other. Instead, each end of the secondarm 110 slants downward from the beam 100. In addition, the hub 210formed along at the distal end of each biasing member has been omitted.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment of the invention in which anarray of several raised ribs 300 is formed on the interiorly facingsurface of arm 105. Ribs 300 are longitudinally spaced from one anotherand each extends along the entire width of arm 105. Another array ofseveral raised ribs 310 is defined on the interiorly facing surface ofeach of biasing members 150, 155. Ribs 310 are longitudinally spacedfrom one another and each extends along the entire width of its biasingmember. The mutually facing arrays of ribs serve an anti-slip orfriction producing function to minimize inadvertent relative movementbetween the retained panels and inadvertent removal of a retained panelfrom the clip. The ribs, as shown, have a sawtooth transversecross-section with one side oriented substantially perpendicular to thesurface from which it is raised, and the other side oriented at an angleto that surface so as to converge at an apex intersection edge with theperpendicular side of the rib. The apex edge configuration concentratesthe compression force acting to retain the panels in the receptacle. Itshould be noted, however, that the rib cross-sectional configurationneed not be sawtooth and may, in some instances, may have a rounded edgeso as to minimize penetration into the surface of the retained panel.

The material forming the clip device 10 is not particularly limited. Byway of example, the material may be a thermoplastic resin including, butnot limited to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene; polyvinyl chloride;polypropylene (e.g., polypropylene, talc-filled polypropylene, calciumfilled polypropylene, and polypropylene copolymers); polyethylene(low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene(LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra high molecular weightpolyethylene (UHMWPE)); polyamide, polyester; and polycarbonate. Theclip 10 may be formed utilizing injection molding, co-injection molding,profile extrusion, ram extrusion versus injection molding orco-injection molding, or computer controller cutting or building processsuch as machines using computer numerical control (CNC), and selectivelaser sintering (SLS), stereolithography (SLA). The clip device 10 ispreferably a unitary (one-piece) structure requiring no assembly afterbeing unitarily formed.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference tospecific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in theart that various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof. It is to be understood thatterms such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “side”, “height”,“length”, “width”, “upper”, “lower”, “interior”, “exterior”, and thelike as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and donot limit the present invention to any particular orientation orconfiguration.

1. A clip for securing adjacent panels of building material, the clipcomprising: a first arm; a second arm oriented generally parallel to thefirst arm; a beam oriented transverse to and extending from the firstarm to the second arm, the beam disposed inboard from each of the firstand second arms to form a first receptacle and a second receptacle,wherein each receptacle is operable to receive a panel of sheet materialand orient the panels adjacent each other, wherein the second armcomprises a biasing member operable to apply a continuous pressure tothe panels of sheet material inserted into the clip.
 2. The clip ofclaim 1, wherein the dimensions of the second arm differ from thedimensions of the first arm.
 3. The clip of claim 1, wherein the biasingmember is disposed inboard of the second arm.
 4. The clip of claim 3,wherein the biasing member comprises a generally elongated paddleextending distally from the second arm at a predetermined angle.
 5. Theclip of claim 1 further comprising plural raised ribs provided on asurface of at least one of said first arm and said biasing member in atleast one of said receptacles to frictionally engage a panel of sheetmaterial inserted into said at least one receptacle.
 6. The clip ofclaim 1 further comprising plural raised ribs provided on each ofmutually facing surfaces of said first and second arms to frictionallyengage a panel of sheet material inserted into the receptacle definedtherebetween,
 7. The clip of claim 1 wherein said first and second arms,said beam and said bias means are all part of a unitarily moldedstructure.
 8. A method of securing panels of building materialstogether, the method comprising: (a) providing a clip comprising: afirst arm; a second arm oriented generally parallel to the first arm; abeam oriented transverse to and extending from the first arm to thesecond arm, the beam disposed inboard from each of the first and secondarms to form a first receptacle and a second receptacle, wherein eachreceptacle is operable to receive a panel of sheet material and orientthe panels adjacent each other, wherein the second arm comprises abiasing member operable to apply a continuous pressure to the panels ofsheet material inserted into the clip; and (b) inserting a first panelinto the first receptacle.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising(c) inserting a second panel into the second receptacle.
 10. The methodof claim 8 wherein step (a) includes forming said clip as a unitarilyinjection molded member.
 11. A panel retention clip comprising a unitarygenerally H-shaped member having first and second generally parallelarms connected to and spaced by a beam such that first and secondpanel-receiving receptacles are defined between said arms on respectiveopposite sides of said beam, said second arm including first and secondresiliently pivotable biasing members depending into said first andsecond receptacles, respectively, to resiliently guide edge firstinsertion of a panel into that receptacle and apply force to enhanceretention of the inserted panel in that receptacle.